Physiotherapy Research International最新文献

{"title":"rTMS Over Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex Augments Dual-Task Training for Mobility, Balance and Cognition in Sub-Acute Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Lei Yang, Xiaoying Lin, Jingyi Lu, Xi Chen, Liuyan Wang, Hui Yang, Ying Gao, Marco Yiu Chung Pang","doi":"10.1002/pri.70259","DOIUrl":"10.1002/pri.70259","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate the effects of adding repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) with dual-task (DT) exercise on DT mobility, balance and cognitive performance in individuals with sub-acute stroke.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Thirty sub-acute stroke patients [age, mean (SD) = 59.2 (7.9) years] were randomly assigned to the experimental group (N = 15), or the sham stimulation group (N = 15). 5 Hz rTMS (90% resting motor threshold, 1200 pulses/session) or sham stimulation was applied to the ipsilesional DLPFC, 1 session/day, 5 days/week for 2 weeks, followed by dual-task training. Two mobility tests [10 m walking and timed-up-and-go (TUG) test] and two cognitive tasks (serial 3 subtractions and verbal fluency) were assessed separately [that is, single-task (ST) condition] and concurrently (i.e., DT condition) before and after the intervention.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The experimental group had greater improvement in TUG time under both ST and DT conditions (p < 0.05), while the step length of the paretic leg during the 10 m walking test of the experimental group only showed better improvement under ST condition and in DT condition when performed with serial 3 subtractions task. Cadence changes did not reach significance in any DT condition. Greater increment in the DT cognitive performance was observed only when verbal fluency task performed with 10 m walking test in the experimental group. The experimental group had better gain in Montreal cognitive assessment, Mini balance evaluation systems test, and Activities-specific balance confidence scores than controls.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The 2-week rTMS to DLPFC combined with DT training augments DT walking performance, and improves balance and cognitive function in mild to moderate motor and cognitive impairment individuals with sub-acute stroke.</p><p><strong>Implications of physiotherapy practice: </strong>This combined intervention is a feasible, effective strategy to improve real-world mobility in sub-acute stroke rehabilitation.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>Chinese Clinical Trial Registry platform (www.chictr.org.cn), with the registration number ChiCTR2200066237.</p>","PeriodicalId":47243,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Research International","volume":"31 3","pages":"e70259"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13291922/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148310000","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Acute Effect of Percussive Massage on Cross-Section Area, Muscle Strength, and Late Muscle Pain of the Quadriceps Muscle Following a Fatigue Protocol in Physically Active Men: Randomized Clinical Trial.","authors":"Aline da Rosa Castilho, Andreo Fernando Aguiar, Alex Silva Ribeiro, Isadora Fernandes Cônsolo, Fernanda Silvana Pereira Quirino, Rodrigo Franco de Oliveira, Rodrigo Antonio Carvalho Andraus","doi":"10.1002/pri.70246","DOIUrl":"10.1002/pri.70246","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and purpose: </strong>The massage gun is widely used to alleviate delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS); however, empirical evidence regarding its physiological effects remains limited.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to evaluate the acute effects of percussive massage on the quadriceps muscle's cross-sectional area (CSA), strength performance, and pain perception following a fatigue protocol.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A randomized clinical trial was conducted including 37 physically active men. Participants performed a fatigue protocol on a 45° leg press, at 70% of their one-repetition maximum (1RM). The volunteers were allocated to an intervention group (G0 n = 19, mean ± SD; 25.7 ± 4.5 years, 83.7 ± 10.6 kg, 176.8 ± 6.3 cm) and control group (G1 n = 18, mean ± SD; 27.6 ± 5.0 years, 76.8 ± 15.7 kg, 174 ± 7.3 cm). Assessments were performed at baseline, 24 and 48 h, using ultrasound imaging, isometric dynamometer and VAS questionnaire (visual analog pain scale).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Regarding the muscle area, significant increases were observed in the control group p < 0,05 for the rectus femoris at both measurement points compared with the baseline, which suggests that percussive massage may mitigate exercise-induced edema. While no statistically significant differences were observed between groups or across time points for muscle strength, G0 demonstrated a large effect size (d > 2.0) in strength maintenance at 24 and 48 h compared to G1. Both groups showed reduction in pain over time, while G0 demonstrated a significant decrease at 48 h compared to 24 h (53%, p < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Within-group assessments revealed significant reductions in pain perception over time for the intervention group. Regarding muscle strength, despite a large exploratory effect size observed during recovery, no statistically significant between-group superiority over passive rest was established. The findings suggest potential preliminary benefits for symptom relief without acute performance deficits.</p>","PeriodicalId":47243,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Research International","volume":"31 3","pages":"e70246"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13242068/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148176974","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Individualized Physiotherapy Improves Quality of Life and Symptom Burden in Advanced Cancer: A Quasi-Experimental Study.","authors":"Gonçalo Soares, Paulo Reis-Pina","doi":"10.1002/pri.70280","DOIUrl":"10.1002/pri.70280","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and purpose: </strong>Patients with advanced cancer frequently experience high symptom burden and reduced quality of life. Physiotherapy may represent an important nonpharmacological component of palliative care; however, evidence regarding its effectiveness in hospitalized patients remains limited. This study evaluated the effects of individualized physiotherapy on quality of life and symptom burden in hospitalized patients with advanced cancer receiving palliative care.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A quasi-experimental study with pre-post evaluation and nonrandomized allocation was conducted. Participants were hospitalized adults with stage IV cancer and a Palliative Performance Scale score of 40%-50%. Participants were allocated to an experimental group receiving physiotherapy or to a control group receiving usual care. The intervention consisted of 12 physiotherapy sessions delivered over approximately 2 weeks. Quality of life and symptom burden were assessed at the baseline and post-intervention using the EORTC QLQ-C30, Version 3. Mixed analysis of variance was used to evaluate changes over time between groups. Ethical approval was obtained, and all participants provided written informed consent.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Sixty patients were included (30 per group). Global health status and quality of life improved significantly in the experimental group, whereas the control group showed no meaningful change. Significant improvements were observed in physical, emotional, and occupational functioning. Reductions were noted in fatigue, pain, dyspnea, insomnia, nausea and vomiting, and appetite loss. Social functioning did not change significantly in either group. Most participants reported favorable perceptions of physiotherapy, with 96.7% indicating perceived benefit.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Individualized physiotherapy was associated with clinically meaningful improvements in quality of life, functional outcomes, and symptom burden in hospitalized patients with advanced cancer. These findings support the integration of physiotherapy within interdisciplinary palliative care teams. However, interpretation should consider the nonrandomized design and the short follow-up period, which may limit causal inference and long-term generalizability.</p>","PeriodicalId":47243,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Research International","volume":"31 3","pages":"e70280"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13354070/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148425280","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reclaiming Life After Stroke: A Scoping Review of Qualitative Studies on Post-Rehabilitation Experiences.","authors":"Suman Pradhan, Subhasish Chatterjee, Mousumi Saha","doi":"10.1002/pri.70244","DOIUrl":"10.1002/pri.70244","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Stroke survivors often face complex challenges even after completing formal rehabilitation. This scoping review synthesizes qualitative research (2015-2025) on post-stroke experiences, focusing equally on emotional/psychological, physical, and social reintegration aspects. Thirteen studies (totaling over 250 stroke survivors across varied ages and regions) were included. The findings reveal that survivors commonly grapple with emotional distress (e.g., depression, anxiety, loss of identity), persistent physical impairments (e.g., fatigue, mobility limitations), and difficulties re-establishing social roles and relationships. Despite these challenges, many survivors gradually adapt through personal perseverance and support from family, peers, and health professionals. Gaps in post-discharge support were evident, with survivors often feeling abandoned once formal therapy ended. We present four tables summarizing study characteristics and key themes, and four figures illustrating trends and conceptual relationships. Overall, holistic, person-cantered approaches addressing psychological well being, long-term physical needs, and social reintegration are essential. This review highlights the importance of coordinated follow-up services and support systems to enhance quality of life and community participation for stroke survivors after rehabilitation.</p>","PeriodicalId":47243,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Research International","volume":"31 3","pages":"e70244"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148139400","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of Cognitive and Motor Dual-Task Conditions on Reaction Time, Proprioception, and Proprioceptive Force Sense in Individuals After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Pilot Study.","authors":"Oğuzhan Akbaşlı, Ertuğrul Demirdel","doi":"10.1002/pri.70294","DOIUrl":"10.1002/pri.70294","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and purpose: </strong>Sensorimotor impairments are common following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR); however, the effects of cognitive and motor dual-task conditions on reaction time, joint position sense, and proprioceptive force sense in the early postoperative period remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of single-task, cognitive dual-task, and motor dual-task conditions on these sensorimotor parameters at the eighth postoperative week following ACLR.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This prospective observational pilot study was conducted in individuals following ACLR. Twenty-one participants who underwent unilateral ACLR using a hamstring autograft were included. After completion of an 8-week home-based rehabilitation program, assessments were performed under single-task, cognitive dual-task, and motor dual-task conditions. Reaction time was evaluated using a light-based response system, joint position sense was assessed with a passive joint repositioning task, and proprioceptive force sense was measured using a pressure biofeedback unit. Differences between task conditions were analyzed using one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance, with effect sizes reported as partial eta squared (η_p ²).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Significant differences were observed among task conditions for reaction time outcomes (p < 0.001), with the best performance under single-task conditions and the poorest performance under motor dual-task conditions (η_p ² = 0.69-0.71). Proprioceptive force sense also differed significantly between conditions (p = 0.008, η_p ² = 0.21), with higher error values observed during the motor dual-task condition. No significant differences were found between task conditions for joint position sense (p > 0.05).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>In the early period following ACLR, increasing task demands negatively affect reaction time and proprioceptive force sense, whereas passive joint position sense appears relatively resistant to short-term dual-task interference. These findings suggest the relevance of incorporating dual-task considerations into sensorimotor assessment and rehabilitation following ACLR.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06755398.</p>","PeriodicalId":47243,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Research International","volume":"31 3","pages":"e70294"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13373497/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148457354","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Letter to Editor on \"Efficacy of Active Exercises to Improve Range of Motion in Knee Joint After Total Knee Arthroplasty. A Randomized Controlled Trial\".","authors":"Azmat Bano, Amita Aggarwal","doi":"10.1002/pri.70283","DOIUrl":"10.1002/pri.70283","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":47243,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Research International","volume":"31 3","pages":"e70283"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13367013/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148438364","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reliability and Construct Validity of the Six-Minute Step Test in Individuals With Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain.","authors":"Francisco Basílio da Silva-Júnior, André Pontes-Silva, Yane Pelicer-Marques, Sabrina Marinho Coutinho, Marco Fabrício Dias-Peixoto, Kassiana de Araujo Pessôa, Andréa Dias Reis, Cristiano Teixeira Mostarda, Almir Vieira Dibai-Filho, Flávio de Oliveira Pires","doi":"10.1002/pri.70295","DOIUrl":"10.1002/pri.70295","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and purpose: </strong>The six-minute step test (6MST) is a practical, field-based assessment that may provide useful information about stepping performance in individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP). However, evidence regarding its measurement properties in this population is limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inter-rater reliability and construct validity of the 6MST in individuals with NSCLBP.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a cross-sectional psychometric study to evaluate the 6MST's inter-rater reliability and construct validity using a known-groups approach. Thirty-one individuals with NSCLBP and 31 age- and sex-matched healthy controls completed the 6MST. Two blinded raters administered the test independently on separate occasions 7 days apart. We assessed inter-rater reliability using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), minimal detectable change (MDC), and Bland-Altman analysis. Construct validity was examined by comparing 6MST performance between groups using hypothesis testing and effect sizes (Cohen's d). Secondary outcomes included heart rate responses, perceived exertion, pain intensity, disability, pain catastrophizing, and kinesiophobia.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The 6MST demonstrated excellent inter-rater reliability, with ICCs of 0.915 (95% CI: 0.83-0.96) for the NSCLBP group and 0.973 (95% CI: 0.94-0.99) for controls. SEM and MDC values were 6 and 17 steps in the NSCLBP group and 3 and 8 steps in the controls, respectively. Bland-Altman analyses revealed good agreement and no evidence of proportional bias. Construct validity was supported by significantly lower performance in the NSCLBP group compared with the control group (mean differences: 37 and 33 steps for raters 1 and 2, respectively, both with p values less than 0.001), with very large effect sizes (Cohen's d = 1.91 and 1.76). Individuals with NSCLBP showed lower attainment of the predefined target heart rate and greater increases in pain intensity following the test, despite similar perceived exertion.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The 6MST demonstrated excellent inter-rater reliability and satisfactory construct validity for assessing stepping performance in individuals with NSCLBP. Compared with healthy controls, individuals with NSCLBP completed fewer steps, were less likely to reach the predefined target heart rate during testing, and reported greater increases in pain intensity despite similar perceived exertion. These findings support the use of the 6MST as a practical, low-cost, performance-based assessment of stepping performance in this population. However, the observed heart rate responses should not be interpreted as evidence of differences in exercise tolerance, aerobic capacity, or cardiopulmonary function.</p>","PeriodicalId":47243,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Research International","volume":"31 3","pages":"e70295"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13377665/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148473386","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Effect of Kinesio Taping on Handgrip Strength and Functional Outcomes in Elderly Patients After Lower Extremity Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study.","authors":"Menekşe Şafak, Zeliha Başkurt, Ferdi Başkurt, Tuba İnce Parpucu, Tolga Atay","doi":"10.1002/pri.70243","DOIUrl":"10.1002/pri.70243","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and purpose: </strong>This study aims to investigate the effects of increasing handgrip strength by applying Kinesio taping to the wrist extensors on the functional level in patients undergoing lower extremity surgery who ambulate with a walker.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective study analyzed data from 100 patients aged 65 years and older who underwent lower extremity surgery and ambulated with a walker. The patients were divided into two groups: a control group (CG) that was kept under the standard rehabilitation program and a Kinesio taping group (KT) in which Kinesio taping was applied to the forearm extensor muscles in addition to the group being under standard rehabilitation program. The patients' handgrip strength (HGS), pain, and functional levels (Functional Independence Measurements (FIM), Iowa Level of Assistance Scale (ILAS), and Iowa Walking Speed Scale (IWSS)) were retrospectively assessed before treatment and at discharge.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Compared to the CG group, the right and left HGS, functional levels, and IWSS of the patients increased significantly in the KT group, and their activity-related pain levels decreased significantly (p < 0.005). A significant positive correlation was observed between the change in HGS and the change in ILAS and FIM scores, and a statistically significant negative correlation was found between the change in HGS and the change in activity-related pain and IWSS (p < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Our findings suggest that Kinesio taping application is a simple and cost-effective method that increases HGS in patients and is an effective method in controlling pain, improving walking speed, and enhancing functionality in patients undergoing lower extremity surgery.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06072261.</p>","PeriodicalId":47243,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Research International","volume":"31 3","pages":"e70243"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148018176","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of the Multicomponent Exercise Program MoveUS on the Kinematic Fatigue of People With Glenohumeral Instability: A Secondary Analysis From a Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Laura Ramírez-Pérez, Antonio Ignacio Cuesta-Vargas","doi":"10.1002/pri.70258","DOIUrl":"10.1002/pri.70258","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and purpose: </strong>Kinematic movement analysis is highly relevant in patients with glenohumeral instability, a pathology characterized by fatigue-induced slowing of repetitive movements. However, the optimal exercise approach for this symptom remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the effect of the MoveUS Program on the improvement of kinematic fatigue in patients with glenohumeral instability.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This randomized controlled trial was developed at Axarquia Hospital (Spain). The study evaluated 47 adult patients with glenohumeral instability, and 38 patients finished the study. The patients were asked to perform the modified 30-s and 120-s T-Fast Test as well as three tests using analytical movements such as flexion, abduction, and scaption for 30 seconds as quickly as possible. The outcome variables were the reference point, the time to fatigue, and the percentage of fatigue, both in linear acceleration and angular velocity. The main statistical method was linear mixed-effects models.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The MoveUS Program Group showed significant improvements in time to fatigue compared with the control group in the 30″ T-Fast Test (β = 5.09-5.12; p = 0.001-0.003), 120″ T-Fast Test (β = 16.62-31.0; p < 0.001), flexion (β = 8.13-9.51; p < 0.001), abduction (β = 12.7-13.53; p < 0.001), and scaption (β = 13.8-14.94; p < 0.001). As for the percentage of fatigue, the MoveUS Program showed significant differences but only in the 120″ T-Fast Test (β = -19.51--28.11; p = 0.001-0.02). In contrast, significant differences were not found between groups regarding the reference point.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>This study suggests that the MoveUS Program may be useful to generate a delay in the time to fatigue in patients with glenohumeral instability. Future research is needed to confirm the results of this study.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>NCT05443295. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05443295.</p>","PeriodicalId":47243,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Research International","volume":"31 3","pages":"e70258"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13308996/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148340659","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Early Mobilization Following Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review of Functional and Hospital Outcomes.","authors":"Shivananda Venkata Reddy, Lourdhuraj Irudhayaraj, Srihari Sharma, Mohammad H Hadadzadeh","doi":"10.1002/pri.70232","DOIUrl":"10.1002/pri.70232","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Early mobilization (EM) has become essential for improved recovery after surgery, but its particular advantages in cardiac surgery populations have not been consistently reported.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To systematically evaluate the effects of early mobilization on functional recovery outcomes, hospital length of stay, and safety profiles in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The systematic search was performed in six databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane CENTRAL, PEDro, Embase, and Web of Science). The search included studies published between January 1, 2015, and August 2025. Inclusion criteria were that the studies must look at interventions of early mobilization (within 48 h of postoperative) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, and the outcome measures may include functional capacity, length of stay in the hospital, or precautionary measures. Risk of Bias 2.0 (RoB 2) and Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies-of Interventions (ROBINS-I) were used to evaluate the risk of bias.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This review included 20 studies with 11,631 participants, 12 randomized controlled trials, four observational cohort studies, and four other study types. Most interventions were initiated within 24 h after the operation. Functional recovery outcomes were predominantly favorable. Early mobilization improved 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) distance and functional independence scores in the majority of studies, whereas hospital length of stay results were inconsistent, with approximately half of the studies reporting significant reductions. The safety profiles were excellent throughout the studies, and few serious adverse events could be directly related to early mobilization. Subgroup analyses showed that Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) had specific advantages, which were possible even in frail older patients.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Early mobilization following cardiac surgery appears safe and is associated with improvements in functional recovery (e.g., walking capacity and independence) and selected hospital outcomes (e.g., length of stay), although the magnitude of benefit varies across studies.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>PROSPERO (CRD420251140353).</p>","PeriodicalId":47243,"journal":{"name":"Physiotherapy Research International","volume":"31 3","pages":"e70232"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147983799","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}